Kay Millar, a 29-year-old teacher from Frome, Somerset, who uses a wheelchair, says proposed changes to the Motability scheme will force her to stay at home, unable to work or socialize. The new rules, effective July 1, lower annual mileage allowances and introduce steep charges for excess miles, making it financially impossible for Kay to continue driving her adapted vehicle.
A passionate athlete and teacher working with children outside mainstream education, Kay relies on her car—a Vauxhall Grandland large enough to accommodate her assistance dog, two wheelchairs, and power attachment—to travel frequently between counties for work and sport. Her active lifestyle includes para-surfing and wheelchair basketball, requiring long journeys multiple times a week.
Currently, Motability allows up to 60,000 miles over three years before charging 5p per additional mile. The new rules reduce this to 10,000 miles annually, with a 25p per mile fee for exceeding 30,000 miles over three years. Kay, who has already driven 42,000 miles in two and a half years, faces potential extra costs of around £3,000—an impossible expense given her limited income and health challenges, which include limb paralysis, a movement disorder, and two heart attacks.
READ MORE: Murder Suspect Richard Woolley Charged Following Death in Weston-super-Mare
READ MORE: Man Dies in Frome Road Crash; Woman Seriously Injured
She fears the changes will not only prevent her from maintaining her current teaching job but also derail plans to retrain as a play therapist. Furthermore, Kay believes the restrictions will drive many disabled people back into isolation, contributing to mental health decline. Public transport is not a viable alternative due to safety and accessibility concerns.
The Motability scheme supports around 860,000 people in the UK by allowing them to lease adapted vehicles through disability benefit exchanges. However, recent government taxes and the removal of luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes have necessitated cost adjustments within the scheme.
A Motability spokesperson acknowledged the impact but emphasized that the average increase in lease prices has been mitigated to around £400 from the initially projected £1,100. Existing leases remain unaffected, and an exceptions process will be introduced for those needing higher mileage.
Despite these reassurances, Kay’s story highlights the very real challenges disabled individuals face as policy changes threaten their independence, employment, and quality of life.